A running blog and more!
I am a running nurse-turned-expat... welcome to my quirky world and my quirky ways... AND this is life according to me.

Friday, August 19, 2011

My New VFF! Vibram FiveFingers Bikila

This week, I received a package from the Phil that I have been long waiting for… my new VFF! That's right. It's my new bestfriend!---My Vibram FiveFingers Bikila.

VFF Bikila in Magenta/Orange/Grey Colorway

I know it should have been the other way around. I should have been the one sending package to the Philippines. hehe! But since running isn't much a trend here in the KSA, it's frustrating to find proper running shoes (even in Sports shops) especially because I am a woman and women here don't actually run outdoors (except for a few expats away from prying eyes...). I haven't seen a single soul in her Abaya running in a nearby park. And there are a few places to run here without worrying about your safety. Lucky for me, I live in a compound with a 1 kilometer jogging path.

Why did I choose a Vibram FiveFingers Bikila, you might ask?

I'm fond of minimalist shoes. I started by running on a pair of Nike free (one of my favorites by the way) then with my now 2 months old Adizero Ace 3 (I would cramped after kilometer 3 but eventually run without issues later). Then I wanted to go more "barefoot" so I decided that I wanted to get myself a new running shoe.

Last March, my brother asked me for a pair of Bikila for his 27th birthday. And because he liked it much and because of the positive reviews I heard, I decided to get myself one. wink!*

My Vibram FiveFingers Bikila comes in a Magenta/Orange/Grey colorway. Of course! I still want my VFF to be girly. hehe…

A brief background though: VFF Bikila is the first model among the VFFs that is designed to specifically promote a more natural, healthier and more efficient forefoot strike. It is also created for a more natural running experience. The model was also named after the Ethiopian Olympic champion and world record holder Abebe Bikila who, during the Olympic Marathon held in Rome ran barefoot after finding that his team-issued shoes hurt his feet.

Anyway, I've been running with my VFF Bikila for almost a week now and the only injury (if you could call it that) I had is a blister I got during "breaking in" my new shoes. I ran without my five finger socks just to feel and experience my brand new Bikila and ran 5 kilometers in 33 minutes. haha! After that is a smooth and injury-free run. I know it's too early to tell, but I sooo love my Bikila (my shoe review will come after a month). I know it's not for everyone but it's definitely for me! =D